Singing Your Way through Anxiety: The Joyful Impact of Songs

When teaching basic English, I frequently use a children's ABC song to help adults learn the alphabet. I've discovered that singing brings enjoyment and laughter to what might otherwise be a dull and tedious learning session. Today, we are exploring how singing can encourage thankfulness, introduce fun, and aid in remembering what is important when anxiety hits.

As the new week begins, I invite you to join me in singing Psalm 11. The Psalms were composed as Hebrew poems and were sung in the temple during communal worship. 

Psalm 11 is believed to have been written when David started experiencing the effects of Saul's jealousy. On one occasion, a javelin was hurled at David, prompting advice for him to flee his country. However, he responded, "No, I trust in God, and therefore will stand my ground."

In verse 3, David questions, “if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” During that period, David experienced the collapse of the foundations he depended on and trusted. Having felt similarly in the past, I can empathize with his situation. 

Confronting significant challenges and adversities, David composes a poem with a melody that aids him in recalling what truly matters. Amidst the heartfelt expression in Psalm 11, he discovers courage and solace by placing his trust in God during his struggles. 

Regardless of the challenges you may encounter this weekend, singing Psalm 11, as David did during his struggles, can remind you to trust in God and rely on Him to safeguard your innocence.

Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Ephesians 5:18-20 NLT